Warm up your kitchen and your heart with the comforting embrace of Hearty Beef and Barley Stew! This American classic is the ultimate cold-weather dish, boasting tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered to perfection. In just under two hours, you can create a savory masterpiece that will leave your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this stew is sure to deliver. Dive into our recipe and discover the secret to making this deliciously satisfying meal that will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck, cubed
- 1 cup barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return browned beef to the pot and add beef broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add diced carrots, potatoes, and barley to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally and check that liquid hasn't reduced too much. Add additional broth if needed.
- Test that beef is tender and barley is cooked through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot in deep bowls.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best flavor and tenderness, use beef chuck. It's ideal for slow cooking and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering.
- Brown the Meat Properly: Take your time when browning the beef. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew, so don’t rush it. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: The browned bits left at the bottom of the pot (fond) are packed with flavor. Be sure to scrape them up when you add the beef broth.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the stew to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that enhances the dish.
- Make It Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Consider making it ahead of time and reheating it for an easy weeknight dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
